Where to Stay Sustainably in Nairobi: 10 Eco-Friendly Hotels

Last Updated on May 22, 2026

Wondering where to stay sustainably in Nairobi? The city, considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Africa at least once, is home to a growing number of accommodations embracing greener practices, from solar energy and waste reduction to locally sourced dining and conservation initiatives. Whether you are interested in sustainable hotels or luxury eco lodges, these spaces allow you to soak in the city’s charm while reducing your environmental footprint. So, if you are looking for places where your love for travel and passion for making a positive impact seamlessly blend, consider staying in one of these eco-friendly hotels the next time you visit Kenya’s capital.

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How to Choose a Sustainable Hotel in Nairobi

What makes a sustainable hotel? Let’s just put it out there that going green is more than one of the top travel trends. Eco stays in Nairobi are the quintessence of commitment to a healthier future.

A truly sustainable hotel is one where the three pillars: the planet (environmental sustainability), people (social sustainability), and profit (economic sustainability), are integrated into the daily operations. That means such hotels don’t focus only on minimising environmental impact, but also on ensuring their activities support local communities and maintain long-term financial viability. If you want to ensure you enjoy an eco-stay, these are the features to look out for in accommodations:

Energy & water efficiency. Eco-friendly accommodations use solar and wind power to generate clean energy.
Water conservation. Most green hotels feature water-saving fixtures, which are designed to reduce water consumption without compromising performance.
Local sourcing & community support. These accommodations use sustainable building materials, source ingredients from local farmers, and work with local tour guides. They also invest a portion of their profits in local green initiatives.
Eco-certifications. There is no better way to ensure an accommodation is truly green. Search for verified eco-certifications such as Green Key, Green Globe, or Eco-rating Certification Scheme (the most popular in Kenya).

Note: Smaller boutique stays and eco camps may not always hold formal sustainability certifications, but many still actively practise responsible tourism through local sourcing, renewable energy, and conservation support.

Where to Stay Sustainably in Nairobi

Giraffe Manor

One of the world’s most unique hotels, Giraffe Manor is popular for its resident Rothschild’s Giraffe that poke their heads through the windows of the hotel, hoping to get treats. Operated by the Safari Collection, it’s among the best sustainable hotels in Nairobi, known for various green and ethical practices, including:

Wildlife conservation. It’s a sanctuary for the endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, which are on a breeding program run in partnership with the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW). The program has successfully reintroduced dozens of giraffes into the wild.
Sustainable operations. The property reduces its environmental impact through measures such as greywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and solar power. It’s also known to make use of reverse osmosis to produce its own packaging-free drinking water onsite.
Local sourcing. The hotel sources its ingredients locally to minimise packaging waste. It also doesn’t use palm oil and single-use plastics.
Community engagement and support. The hotel supports and engages the locals by hiring from within and investing in local education and empowerment.

Note: Overnight stays at Giraffe Manor are often booked months in advance due to the hotel’s exclusivity and limited number of rooms, so early reservations are highly recommended.

Wildebeest Eco Camp

If you are wondering where to stay sustainably in Nairobi, look no further than the award-winning Wildebeest Eco Camp. It’s perfect for anyone looking to glamp on a budget, while reducing their environmental footprint.

The eco camp enjoys a scenic location within 3.5 acres of lush gardens in the leafy Langata suburb. It puts guests near the city’s shopping, dining, and nightlife hotspots, as well as the iconic Nairobi National Park, one of the top places to visit for those looking to travel sustainably in Nairobi.

Solar power. The camp’s permanent tents use solar lighting and solar-heated showers.
Water conservation. It employs water recycling and water conservation measures to reduce negative environmental impact.
Native landscaping. It’s located on three and a half acres of lush space, where it preserves large indigenous acacia trees, creating a favourable atmosphere for native birds and insects to thrive.
Supports eco-tourism. Wildebeest Eco Camp is a central base for guided tours into Nairobi National Park, which ensures a low-impact Kenya safari

Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands

A beautiful view of Ibis Styles Westlands. Phptp credit: Blancos khim/Wikimedia Commons

Located in the Westlands business district, Ibis Styles is the perfect place to stay, especially for business travellers who are conscious of both money and the environment. It’s family-friendly and has everything you’ll need for your trip, including access to high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and event space with a capacity of up to 100.

Staying here also puts you only 3 miles away from Nairobi CBD, 20 minutes from JKIT, and a few minutes from Westlands’ shopping hotspots, including the Westgate and Sarit Centre.

If you are on a leisure trip, the hotel organises tours to various destinations, including the Maasai Mara, home of the Great Migration. Trips are also organised to places like David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi National Park, and Karen Blixen Museum.

The hotel is recognised for its sustainable hospitality, with features such as:

Renewable energy. One of its most prominent green features is the ‘Green Room,’ an event and conference facility that’s 100% solar powered.
Energy efficiency. It manages energy usage in multiple ways, including motion-sensor lighting in guest corridors to minimise consumption.
Plastic reduction. Single-use plastics are not allowed here, whether it’s a plastic bottle, a straw, or a soda bottle.
Farm-to-fork dining. Ibis Styles has a ‘Chinese Garden’ where it sources fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme.

Kivi Milimani Hotel

For travellers searching for where to stay sustainably in Nairobi, Kivi Milimani Hotel offers a quieter, more nature-oriented escape within easy reach of the city’s major attractions. Nestled within peaceful green surroundings in the Milimani area, it provides a calmer alternative to many busy city stays.

Green surroundings. The hotel is surrounded by mature gardens and open spaces that create a calmer, more natural environment within the city.
Lower impact location. Its central location allows guests to access key attractions, restaurants, and business areas without travelling long distances across Nairobi.
Relaxed outdoor spaces. The landscaped gardens and outdoor pool encourage slower, more laid-back experiences connected to nature.
Easy access to sustainable attractions. Guests are within convenient reach of places like Nairobi National Park, making it easier to enjoy eco-conscious experiences while in the city.

The Sarova Stanley

@architectrussell

Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi. Its architecture seamlessly blends charm with modern elegance, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects Nairobi’s rich history. The hotel has hosted many notable figures, including Ernest Hemingway, who found inspiration within its walls. This blend of historical significance and architectural beauty exemplifies what makes Nairobi so captivating. ✅Watch the full video Nairobi Vs Dar Es Salaam

♬ Jazz Bossa Nova – TOKYO Lonesome Blue

Dating back to 1902, Sarova Stanley is one of Kenya’s oldest hotels, and it caters to both leisure and business travellers with elegantly designed rooms and top-notch amenities. The luxurious 5-star accommodation in the CBD is among the best eco-friendly hotels in Nairobi. It has a deep commitment to responsible travel with features such as:

Energy & water conservation. The hotel uses energy-saving and water-saving measures, such as LED lighting and dual-flush toilets.
Waste management & plastic reduction. The hotel doesn’t operate with single-use plastics. They provide their guests with compostable paper cups and have further minimised the paper consumption by digitalising menus and check-ins.
Sourcing ingredients locally. Much of their food ingredients are bought from local farmers.
Local community & eco-travel support. The hotel is heavily into supporting the local community as well as green initiatives, like wildlife conservation programs.

Conclusion

Finding where to stay sustainably in Nairobi has become easier as more accommodations embrace greener, more responsible hospitality practices. Whether you prefer luxury eco lodges, peaceful garden stays, or budget-friendly camps, these hotels prove that conscious travel and comfort can seamlessly go hand in hand while exploring Kenya’s vibrant capital.